On Friday, November1, 2024, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced he would “step aside” following a significant defeat in the general elections, according to preliminary results.
“I congratulate the opposition on their victory and concede the election,” Masisi said at a press conference, describing the journey as “good.”
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has governed since the country’s independence in 1966, faced a tough challenge. Preliminary counts indicate that three opposition parties have collectively won at least 31 of the 61 seats in the national legislature, with official results from Wednesday’s vote expected to be confirmed by the electoral commission later today.
In Botswana’s electoral system, the first party to secure 31 seats will be declared the winner and able to appoint its candidate as president.
Having assumed office in 2018, Masisi stated he would “begin all administrative work to facilitate the transition.”
“We are prepared to step back into a loyal opposition role and hold the government accountable,” added the 63-year-old leader, who had been optimistic about winning a second term.
The opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change reportedly won over 24 seats, with party official Mike Keakopa confirming their goal of reaching 31 to secure an outright victory.
If confirmed, their candidate, human rights lawyer Duma Boko, who is a Harvard graduate, would become the next president. The other opposition parties, the Botswana Congress Party and the Botswana Patriotic Front, collectively gained around a dozen seats.
